Modal Auxiliaries

Subject

+

modal auxiliary

+

main verb

James

may

call

Modal Auxiliary Use

Use

Modal Auxiliary + Main Verb

can

Expresses an ability or possibility

I can lift this forty-pound box. (ability)

We can embrace green sources of energy (possibility)

could

Expresses an ability in the past; a present possibility; a past or future permission

I could beat you at chess when we were kids. (past ability)

We could bake a pie! (present possibility)

Could we pick some flowers from the garden? (future permission)

may

Expresses uncertain future action; permission; ask a yes-no question

I may attend the convert. (uncertain future action)

You may begin the exam. (permission)

May I attend the concert? (yes-no questions)

might

Expresses uncertain future action

I might attend the concert (uncertain future action – same as may)

shall

Express intended future action

I shall go to the opera. (intended future action)

should

Express obligation; ask if an obligation exists

I should mail my RSVP. (Obligation, same as ought to)

Should I call my mother? (asking if obligation exists)

will

Expresses intended future action; ask a favor; ask for information

I will get an A in this class. (intended future action)

Will you buy me some chocolate? (favor)

Will you be finished soon? (information)

would

States a preference; request a choice politely; explain an action; introduce habitual past actions

I would like the steak, please. (preference)

Would you like to have breakfast in bed? (request a choice politely)

I would go with you if I didn’t have to babysit tonight. (explain an action)

He would write to me every week when we were dating. (habitual past action)

must

Expresses obligation

We must be on time for class.

ought to

Expresses obligation

I ought to mail my RSVP. (obligation, same as may)